Sustainability

NOAA Fisheries has put forth a revised rule to designate critical habitat for five endangered reef-building coral species in the Pacific Islands region. This updated proposal builds upon the 2020 initiative for Indo-Pacific coral species under the Endangered Species Act, incorporating new data and insights from the community.

Assistant Regional Administrator for NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Regional Office, Dawn Golden, emphasized the pivotal role played by Pacific coral reefs in shoreline protection, economic support, and biodiversity. Despite facing challenges such as rising temperatures and pollution, the designation of critical habitat aims to mitigate these threats and foster coral resilience.

Under the proposed rule, NOAA Fisheries aims to identify areas crucial for the reproduction, dispersal, settlement, and maturation of Acropora globiceps, A. retusa, A. speciosa, Euphyllia paradivisa, and Isopora crateriformis. The designated locations include waters around 16 islands and atolls across the Pacific Islands region.

The proposed critical habitat spans various regions, including American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, and the Pacific Remote Islands Area. The depth range varies based on the occurrence of specific coral species, ranging from 0 to 10 meters to 0 to 50 meters.

Importantly, if finalized, this designation will not impose new regulations or restrictions on fisheries. While federal agencies will be directly impacted, non-federal entities may be affected if their activities involve federal funding, permitting, or authorization.

Dawn Golden expressed gratitude for the engagement and feedback from territories and local communities, acknowledging their instrumental role in refining the proposed rule. The adjustments include the removal of two species and four islands from consideration, the addition of three islands, and more specific mapping of critical habitat.

This proposed rule marks a significant step toward safeguarding the future of threatened coral species in the Pacific Islands, highlighting the collaborative efforts between NOAA Fisheries and local communities.

Roseau, Dominica: The Caribbean Island of Dominica has declared plans to establish the world’s first-ever sperm whale reserve. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit revealed that an area measuring almost 800 sq km (300 sq miles) off the island’s western coast would be designated as a sanctuary, with strict measures in place to safeguard the endangered mammals.

The newly announced reserve aims to protect a crucial nursing and feeding ground for the approximately 200 sperm whales that inhabit the waters surrounding Dominica. Prime Minister Skerrit emphasized the importance of preserving these marine giants, referring to them as “prized citizens of Dominica” with a history likely predating human arrival on the island.

“Sperm whales are majestic and highly intelligent animals that call our seas home. We want to ensure they are safe from harm and continue contributing to the health of our waters and climate,” stated Prime Minister Skerrit during the official announcement.

Sperm whales boast one of the broadest global distributions among marine mammal species, being spotted in deep waters ranging from the Arctic and Antarctic to equatorial regions. However, the sea off Dominica stands out as one of the rare locations where the species can be found consistently throughout the year.

The newly established reserve will enforce a ban on commercial fishing activities within its boundaries, aiming to mitigate threats to the whales. However, artisanal fishing will be permitted under sustainable practices that ensure the safety of the marine mammals. The reserve also introduces regulations to manage tourism activities, allowing tourists to view and swim with the whales from boats while imposing restrictions on the number of participants.

In an effort to minimize disturbances to the sperm whales, large ships will be required to navigate through designated ocean corridors, avoiding the areas vital to the species’ well-being. The implementation of these protective measures reflects Dominica’s commitment to marine conservation and responsible ecotourism, setting a significant precedent for global efforts to safeguard endangered marine species and their habitats.

TORONTO: The MSC Canada State of the Water Report 2023, highlights the remarkable strides made by the Canadian fishing industry in achieving sustainability goals over the past 15 years. Spearheaded by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), a non-profit organization, the report underscores the significant impact of consumer and industry demand on fostering positive changes at scale.

According to the report, sales of MSC certified seafood in Canada surged to CAD$432 million in 2022, marking a staggering 280% increase over the previous 5 years. Despite this growth, the total Canadian retail seafood market, estimated at CAD$5.4 billion, suggests substantial room for further expansion.

Since the first MSC certification in 2008, certified fisheries have implemented 152 improvements, significantly enhancing the sustainability of Canada’s fishing practices. Fisheries that remained in the MSC program for two full certification cycles experienced notable improvements in sustainability scores across all three MSC Fisheries Principles: stock health, ecosystem impacts, and management.

Presently, Canada boasts 26 MSC certified fisheries, representing an impressive 61% of the nation’s seafood landings. While Canada ranks 23rd globally in wild seafood production, it stands among the top 5 countries worldwide in the adoption of the MSC Fisheries program. Haddock, halibut, lobster, snow crab, and shrimp contribute the largest volume of MSC certified seafood from Canadian waters.

Kurtis Hayne, Program Director for the MSC in Canada, expressed pride and gratitude for the industry’s commitment, emphasizing the power of consumer and market forces in driving positive change. Hayne urged Canadian retailers and seafood brands to assess and enhance their sourcing practices to meet the increasing demands for sustainable practices.

The report attributes the industry’s positive trajectory to consumer demand, both domestically and abroad, for sustainable seafood products carrying the distinctive blue MSC label. This demand has incentivized retailers and brands in Europe to prioritize MSC certification, prompting fisheries to meet the high sustainability standards set by the MSC.

While 74% of Canadian seafood consumers seek independently labeled sustainability claims, Loblaw stands out as the only coast-to-coast grocer MSC certified to handle and sell audited and traceable MSC and ASC certified sustainable seafood. Over 200 products in Loblaw’s seafood range are labeled MSC or ASC certified, demonstrating the company’s commitment to transparently source sustainable products.

Hayne emphasized the need for Canadian retailers and seafood brands to aspire to global leadership in credible sustainable seafood practices, echoing the positive environmental outcomes achieved by Canadian fisheries.

The report highlights several standout improvements in Canadian fisheries, including the introduction of advanced TrackWell systems in the OCI Grand Banks yellowtail flounder fishery and a collaborative, community-focused approach on Cedar Lake in Northern Manitoba. The B.C. Pacific halibut and hake fisheries also played a pivotal role in stock assessments for endangered species, resulting in new quotas and improved protections across all B.C. commercial groundfish fisheries.

In conclusion, the MSC Canada State of the Water Report 2023 underscores the tangible progress achieved by the Canadian fishing industry, emphasizing the pivotal role of sustainable practices and consumer demand in shaping a healthier and more responsible future for the nation’s seafood sector.

Leading companies including Cargill, Mars, Walmart, Costco, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and Finance Earth have collaboratively introduced a pioneering concept aimed at financing the global transition to more sustainable fisheries. The objective is to catalyse over $100 million in investments for fisheries improvement by the year 2030.

This innovative financing model, named the Fisheries Improvement Fund (FIF), focuses on reversing the decline in fisheries while scaling up global initiatives toward nature-positive outcomes. The envisioned outcomes include healthier marine ecosystems, thriving fishing communities, and the promotion of an environmentally sustainable blue economy.

Finance Earth, known for its impact investment advisory and fund management, will spearhead the establishment and management of the FIF. James Mansfield, co-founder and managing director at Finance Earth, emphasizes the potential of this approach to attract diverse investors from both the public and private sectors, contributing to the protection of oceans and the advancement of a sustainable blue economy.

WWF and Finance Earth collaborated with major industry players to conceptualize and design the FIF. The model is seen as impactful, scalable across fisheries, and endorsed by companies committed to transitioning their supply chain fisheries to more sustainable resources.

The innovative financing model, driven by Finance Earth’s expertise, aims to blend different sources of capital, increasing the availability of funding for fisheries recovery. Johan Bergenas, SVP of Oceans at WWF US, highlights the importance of this blue finance mechanism in ensuring sustainable financing for critical projects that scale fishery reform over the next decade.

Companies participating in the initiative will commit to a volume-based fee, enabling the FIF to cover upfront costs for Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs) and create a long-term revenue stream. This groundbreaking approach changes how long-term sustainability is funded, recognizing it as a cost of doing business and embedding it into product costs.

Cargill and Skretting, prominent feed companies, contributed their expertise to the development of the concept and will participate in a pilot project. Major seafood buyers and philanthropic foundations, including Mars, Costco, Sodexo, and Walmart, are also supporting the launch of the fund.

The pilot project, details of which will be unveiled soon, has secured a capital commitment to cover upfront transition costs through a Program Related Investment instrument. Beyond the pilot, the FIF aims to attract capital from a wider range of sources, reducing transaction costs and enabling rapid and scalable deployment of funds for targeted Fishery Improvement Projects.

Finance Earth is actively seeking proposals for fisheries worldwide interested in securing funding through the FIF. The fund is open to opportunities presented by various stakeholders, including NGOs, local fishing groups, industry actors, buyers, retailers, and local or national governments. It supports both industrial and small-scale fisheries, whether currently in a FIP or not yet engaged in one.

The Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) has initiated its first faculty-driven start-up venture named MSorita LLP. The focus of this venture is the production of a tailor-made probiotic and booster medium designed for organic waste management and disease control in aquaculture farms and backwater ponds.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) for this groundbreaking start-up was signed by Dr. Vrinda S., Assistant Professor at the School of Environmental Studies, Dr. Jasmin C., Director of Enfys Lifescience Pvt. Ltd., and alumnus Abhilash K.S., Young Professional II at the Mariculture Division of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute. The agreement was established with the CUSATECH Foundation.

The innovative microbial consortium, developed by the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, has undergone successful field testing in Gujarat, Karnataka, and Kerala. This probiotic has demonstrated its effectiveness in enhancing income from fish farming ecosystems, particularly in shrimp farming.

The start-up, MSorita LLP, aims to advance research and develop improved and cost-effective products tailored for the aquaculture farming industry. Additionally, it plans to provide scientific services to assist aquaculture farmers in optimizing their operations.

This collaborative effort signifies a significant step toward sustainable aquaculture practices, leveraging the expertise of academia and industry to address challenges in organic waste management and disease control. Cusat’s foray into this start-up venture reflects its commitment to fostering innovation and contributing to the advancement of aquaculture practices.

A report from the non-profit financial think tank, Planet Tracker, underscores the imperative need for a transition to regenerative aquaculture to counteract an anticipated 50 million tonne seafood supply gap by 2050. The report, titled “Avoiding Aquafailure: aquaculture diversification and regeneration are needed to feed the world,” sheds light on the urgency for transformative measures in the face of current aquaculture practices.

Even in the most optimistic scenarios of improving existing aquaculture practices, a substantial gap is anticipated. Planet Tracker’s analysis reveals that technological solutions, including offshore and land-based farming or lab-grown fish, could contribute up to 5 million additional tonnes of seafood by 2050. However, embracing regenerative aquaculture, which incorporates practices providing ecosystem benefits, such as water filtration by bivalves and carbon sequestration by seaweed, could generate an additional 45 million tonnes of seafood, meeting the growing global demand.

Despite the promising potential, the report highlights a formidable financial hurdle, estimating a need for at least $55 billion in capital expenditure to facilitate this transition. This financial requirement exceeds the current capacity of many aquaculture companies.

The report issues a stark warning against maintaining a business-as-usual approach, particularly one reliant on concentrated fish monocultures. Such an approach poses significant biodiversity risks, including nutrient pollution and displacement of native species, resulting in potential financial losses for the industry. Recent research underscores the industry’s increasing concentration, with the top ten seafood-producing countries accounting for a staggering 89% of total seafood production.

François Mosnier, head of the oceans program at Planet Tracker, emphasizes the need for a resilient, productive, and environmentally sustainable aquaculture industry. The report calls on investors and lenders to facilitate this transition by recognizing the escalating risks associated with the business-as-usual scenario. It urges them to demand enhanced disclosure, transparency, and traceability procedures from companies to better quantify and mitigate risks.

Furthermore, the report advocates for support of diversification in species and geographic distribution, especially if such diversification allows for ecosystem restoration. Technology enabling offshore, recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), and cultivated seafood is encouraged, provided it aligns with environmental sustainability.

To bolster these efforts, the report suggests supporting regenerative aquaculture investments, potentially through offering more accessible capital for sustainable expansion, including via sustainability-linked bonds. The multifaceted approach proposed in the report aims to address the pressing challenges facing the aquaculture industry, ensuring a sustainable and secure global seafood supply for the future.

Beau Vallon Bay, Seychelles: Representatives from countries with fishing operations in the Indian Ocean region convened at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay recently to advance a harmonized and integrated approach to data collection for the fisheries sector. The meeting involved ECOFish National program managers and observers who discussed strategies to ensure sustainable fisheries practices and examined the legal frameworks within their respective countries.

Fisheries observers played a crucial role in collecting data on fishing trips to maintain sustainability. These officers went on fishing vessels to observe and gather information on the fishing processes. Recognizing the importance of reliable data, Jan Robinson, the head of the Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA), highlighted the major weaknesses in data availability among countries in the region.

In his opening speech, Robinson emphasized the significance of human fisheries observers, stating that they were “our eyes and ears on the sea, who always saw things that advanced technologies missed.”

Jude Talma, a monitoring, control, and surveillance expert, revealed that the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) enlisted the services of Cap Marine Ltd as consultants for a 15-month period to develop a training program for observers in the region. Talma emphasized the need for standardized training, tailored to the specific requirements of each country.

The Ecofish program, launched by the Indian Ocean Commission in 2022, focused on in-depth research to generate reliable fisheries data. The program addressed various aspects, including training, financing, and information dissemination, to ensure member states met established norms.

Talma stressed the importance of equipping national observers with proper training to ensure regional data collection was based on solid science. He noted that once representatives were trained to meet standardized levels, they could collect data across different waters, presenting the information to relevant authorities.

The initiative gained approval from fisheries ministers in the region during their meeting the following year. This collaborative effort enhanced the accuracy and reliability of fisheries data, facilitating the development of sound policies for effective fisheries management.

Today marks the commencement of the 19th Working Party on Data Collection and Statistics (WPDCS19) organized by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), hosted by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India (GoI). The prestigious event, held at Hotel St. Regis, Mumbai, Maharashtra, has brought together leading scientists and experts in the field of Tuna fisheries from across the globe.

Ms. Neetu Kumari Prasad, Joint Secretary, Department of Fisheries, GoI, and Shri Atul Patne, Commissioner of Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra, graced the inauguration ceremony, emphasizing the significance of collaborative efforts in managing and conserving tunas and other large pelagic species.

Tunas, along with billfishes, sharks, and rays, play a crucial role in the global economy, contributing an estimated annual trade value of US$41 billion (in 2018). With the susceptibility of these species to overfishing by multinational fisheries, international cooperation is essential for effective management and conservation.

Participants from countries including Indonesia, France, Spain, other European Union (EU) nations, Seychelles, Tanzania, Iran, Thailand, Japan, Sri Lanka, Oman, and India attended the meeting in person. Additionally, numerous participants from various countries, IOTC, and scientific organizations joined the proceedings virtually.

The focal point of the gathering is the analysis of existing scientific methods employed by different countries in data collection, compilation, and reporting to IOTC for resource assessments. The goal is to formulate advanced and simplified methods for data collection and statistics in the Indian Ocean Region.

Following this meeting, the main Scientific Committee meeting of the IOTC will convene at the same venue from December 4th to 8th, 2023. This subsequent meeting will consider recommendations from the WPDCS and various other working parties, focusing on scientific recommendations for the sustainable management of tuna and similar species in the Indian Ocean.

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), a global non-profit dedicated to combatting overfishing through the establishment of leading sustainability standards, has unveiled a landmark report showcasing two decades of positive environmental impact in Australian fisheries since 2000.

The “Fishing for the Future Report” is the first of its kind, offering a comprehensive analysis of the environmental strides made by fisheries opting for assessment against the MSC Fisheries Standard. The report highlights a collaborative effort, with over 116 improvements related to bycatch, ecosystem impact, and effective management, setting a precedent for responsible practices globally.

In Australia, the achievements are remarkable, with 28 MSC-certified fisheries representing 38 species, constituting 52% of the total volume of wild-caught seafood. This surpasses the MSC’s global goal for over a third of the global marine catch (by volume) to be MSC certified or engaged by 2030. Notably, Australia boasts the world’s first and longest MSC-certified fishery, the WA Rock Lobster fishery.

With 80% of the planet’s biodiversity residing in the ocean and fishing emerging as a primary threat, sustainable practices are crucial for meeting global dietary needs and reducing environmental impact. The engagement of governments, environmental NGOs, and industry bodies in the MSC program emphasizes a commitment to responsible practices.

Anne Gabriel, MSC Program Director of Oceania and Singapore, emphasizes the importance of sustainable fishing practices in Australia, stating, “As the third-largest marine jurisdiction globally, Australians have an accountability to ensure our ocean is conserved and managed with care.”

Gabriel hopes the 2023 Future of Fishing report will showcase the tangible outcomes of sustainable fishing in Australia, underlining the necessity of leadership and collaboration for continuous improvement.

While the MSC’s positive trend reflects progress, Gabriel encourages broader stakeholder participation, urging businesses, consumers, seafood brands, suppliers, retailers, caterers, restaurants, airlines, cruise/shipping companies, and pet food brands to contribute. She hopes the report demonstrates what is possible when fisheries commit to an international science-based benchmark for sustainable fishing.

Fisheries voluntarily undergo assessment by a third party, Conformity Assessment Body, against the MSC Fisheries Standard, ensuring independence from the certification process. Consumers can easily support sustainable seafood by looking for the MSC blue fish tick label on over 370 products in Australia.

Source: Food & Beverage Industry News

A recent conference in the central-coastal province of Khanh Hoa brought together stakeholders to explore solutions for the sustainable development of mariculture in Vietnam. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Phung Duc Tien, highlighted the immense potential of mariculture, given Vietnam’s expansive coastline of over 1 million sq.km.

Deputy Minister Tien emphasized that mariculture is poised to contribute significantly to the realization of the 12th Party Central Committee’s resolution on the strategy for sustainable development of Vietnam’s marine economy until 2030, with a vision extending to 2045. The Prime Minister has set a target of achieving mariculture production of 800,000 tonnes by 2025, a goal that saw substantial progress with 740,000 tonnes already achieved by the end of 2022.

Encouraging the dissemination of successful mariculture models, Deputy Minister Tien stressed the importance of ensuring that products carry proven origin and quality certification. Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, Tran Hoa Nam, highlighted major species bred at sea in Khanh Hoa, including seabass, cobia, goldfin permit, and lobster, with lobster being a high-value species preferred by tourists and foreign import markets.

Vietnam’s mariculture spans an area of 85,000 hectares with 8.9 million cubic meters of cages, contributing to a total annual production of nearly 750,000 tonnes and an export turnover of 11 billion USD last year. Khanh Hoa alone boasts over 97,000 aquaculture cages, generating an annual output of around 18,000 tonnes and providing employment for over 4,000 rural workers.

The national strategy for sustainable mariculture development by 2030 recognizes Vietnam’s significant potential in raising economically valuable varieties such as plaice, grouper, tuna, oyster for pearls, and seaweed. With its extensive coastline of over 3,260 km, numerous islands, and bays, Vietnam ranks as the world’s fourth-largest producer of seafood from aquaculture.